Salary: $47,966.00 - $85,844.00 Annually

Location : New Bern, NC

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 24-03

Agency: Consolidated Unit

Unit: Information Technology

Opening Date: 03/08/2024

Position Overview

The United States District Court and United States Probation Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina are seeking applicants for a full-time IT Support Specialist in New Bern, NC. The IT Support Specialist provides Audio Visual (AV) and courtroom technology support as well as specialized and routine technical/helpdesk user support services to the judges and staff of the District Court and Probation Offices. This position reports to the Information Services Manager.

This position is being advertised at the CL 25 to CL 26 based on experience and qualifications. The position has promotional potential to a CL 27 ($58,030 - $94,338). Applications that are received by the initial cut-off date of April 8, 2024, will be given first consideration.

Representative Duties

The incumbent in this role will play a pivotal role within an IT service-oriented team tasked with supporting the consolidated offices of both the US District Court Clerk's office and the US Probation office. The incumbent will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation of essential technologies, including, but not limited to, desktops/laptops, network peripherals, and courtroom technology, etc., ensuring their reliable and effective operation across all offices. Additional representative duties will include:

Monitor and promptly address helpdesk requests, offer technical support, and aid in the maintenance of computer systems and mobile devices, encompassing software and hardware installations, relocations, and modifications. Proficiently analyze, isolate, and resolve intricate system issues utilizing available technical resources. Diagnose and rectify computing system failures, encompassing both hardware and software, while ensuring the compatibility and functionality of user applications.
Assist with testing and supporting networked courtroom A/V equipment.
Assist with the development and implementation of short-term and long-range automation improvement plans for the court, ensuring that the changes can be implemented with minimal disruption at the court site. Assist with the plan for disaster recovery operations and testing including network performance, security, anti-virus, intrusion, web usage/monitoring, design, and acquisition of servers. Monitor and verify systems/data backups. Produce useful system documentation, perform system startup and shutdown procedures, and maintain control records.
Recommend, schedule, and plan the installation and testing of new products and improvements to network/computer systems.
Assist with planning, coordination, implementation, and testing of network security measures in order to protect data, software, and hardware.
Provide information and training assistance to users on computer systems and programs, as well as training assistance to court and probation staff and the bar in the use of courtroom presentation systems and equipment.
Work in tandem with other IT team-members for the purpose of keeping abreast of IT developments, new technology and techniques, and user programs, as well as coordinating and troubleshooting activities related to the courtroom and conferencing systems to ensure district-wide baselines and standards are maintained.
Troubleshoot, configure, and assist users with mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, and mifi devices.
Travel to other locations in the district as required.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To qualify for the position, an individual must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least three years of specialized experience. Specialized experience is defined as progressively responsible technical experience that is in, or closely related to, the work of the position and which has demonstrated the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Incumbent should have a thorough working knowledge of Windows based Intel computer systems, virus protection, electronic mail, hardware and software installation and repairs, application support, data communication functions, and training.

Additional skills should include a working knowledge of basic network connectivity and the ability to troubleshoot basic network access issues. Additionally, expertise in peripherals such as printers, scanners, keyboards, optical mice, video-conferencing equipment, and other related devices is required.

The incumbent must be a self-starter, customer service oriented, mature, demonstrate initiative and ability to exercise good judgment, be able to work harmoniously with others, and communicate effectively. In addition, a judicial employee must always maintain a professional appearance and demeanor. The incumbent must have the ability to work with confidential and sensitive information, work during non-business hours as required to complete urgent projects or prevent disruption to court proceedings or special events, and the ability to lift and move moderately heavy items.

Preference will be given to candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in a computer-related program and/or Network +, A+, MCP, MCSE or other computer related professional certifications. Additionally, preference will be given to candidates with experience with recent versions of software including Microsoft Active Directory, MS Outlook/MS Teams, Microsoft Windows 10/11, Microsoft 365, Windows Server 2016-2023, VMware vSphere and Horizon, Adobe Acrobat, Mobility Management solutions (Airwatch/WorkspaceOne), and Apple iOS mobile devices.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants must be United States citizens or lawful permanent residents actively seeking citizenship. Judicial Branch employees are considered "at will" employees and are not subject to the employment regulations of competitive service. Salary will be based on experience and qualifications. Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) for payroll deposit is required.

Applicants will be required to submit to a background investigation (including references, criminal history, and credit history) prior to an offer of employment being made. The person selected for this position will also be required to submit fingerprints for an FBI background check. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a ten-year background investigation with periodic updates every five years thereafter.

Application Procedures
All interested persons should apply online by visiting and submit an application package which is to include: the completed application, a cover letter, resume, photocopies of applicable certifications, and three (3) employment references.

Travel and relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. The court provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. All employees are required to adhere to the "Code of Conduct for Judicial Employees" which is available for review upon request. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this job announcement, to withdraw the job announcement, or to fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which actions may occur without any prior written or other notice. Due to the volume of applications received, only candidates in consideration for this position will be contacted.

-THE COURT IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER-

General questions may be sent via email to NCE_HumanResources@ncep.uscourts.gov

The Federal Judiciary offers a wide range of benefits and choices so employees can create a package that best suits their individual needs.

Health Insurance

The Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) offers employees more than ten (10) health plan options to choose from that provide comprehensive medical benefits including preventative care, doctor's office visits, hospitalization, surgery, and prescription drugs with no pre-existing condition limitations. FEHB has a few plan types with several health carriers in each plan: Fee-for-Service (FSS- equivalent to a PPO), Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Consumer Driven Plans and High-Deductible Plans.

On average, the federal government pays 70% of health plan premiums while employees pay the remaining premium through payroll deductions.

Supplemental Dental & Vision Insurance

Employees are eligible to participate in dental and vision coverage through the Federal Employee Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP). The supplemental dental and vision program provides a selection of dental and/or vision plans for federal employees and their families at a group rate. Employees are responsible for the full group rate premium which is paid through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Life Insurance

Life Insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for employees and their loved ones. By way of the Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) Program, employees are offered Basic Life Insurance with options to increase coverage and elect coverage for eligible dependents. The federal government pays approximately 1/3 of the Basic Life premium and employees are responsible for paying the remaining 2/3, which is paid via post-tax payroll deductions.

Long Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance (LTC) can protect an employee's financial future by helping to pay the high cost of long-term care. Long-term care insurance programs include coverage for nursing home care (all levels received in a licensed facility), community-based care (assisted living facilities, adult daycare and home health services), hospice center, caregiver support and alternative plans of care.

Flexible Benefits Program

The Flexible Benefits Program allows employees to increase their take home pay by using the Judiciary's pre-tax options for health care, dependent care, and health insurance premiums. The program has three key components: the Healthcare Reimbursement Account, the Dependent Care Reimbursement Account and the Premium Payment Plan.

Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)

Recognizing the importance of an employee's future, the federal government provides its employees a retirement program called the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). It is a three-tiered retirement plan that enables employees to take an active role in securing a strong financial foundation for their retirement. All federal employees are automatically enrolled and may file for retirement once they meet the eligibility requirements. The three components of the plan are the FERS Basic Benefit, Social Security, and Thrift Savings Plan.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

TSP is a savings and investment program designed to provide retirement income. It is an important component to the FERS Retirement Plan. It is comparable to a private-sector tax-deferred 401(k) plan, which offers both a traditional and a Roth contribution option, tax deferral on traditional contributions, agency matching, a choice of 5 investment funds, a loan program and a choice of post-separation withdrawal options.

Vacation/Sick/Other Leave

To assist eligible employees with maintaining a healthy work/life balance, the Judiciary offers a generous amount of leave through a combination of federal holidays, annual (vacation) leave and sick leave. Full time employees with less than three (3) years of service accrue approximately 2.5 weeks of annual leave per year. This increases to 4 weeks from years 3-14, and up to 5 weeks each year when an employee has reached 15 years or more of service. In addition to annual (vacation) leave, full time employees also accrue approximately 2.5 weeks of sick leave each year and are given ten (10) paid federal holidays.

Wellness Program

The Judiciary recognizes that a positive sense of well-being amongst its employees is a key component of a healthy and productive employee. Wellness activities may include on-site fitness facility, wellness challenges and incentives, annual health fair, stress reduction and health eating programs.

Worker's Compensation

Employees are covered by the provisions of the Federal Employees' Compensation Act, 5 U.S.C. § 8101 et seq., which allows compensation for injuries sustained while in the performance of duty or to employment-related disease.

Employee Assistance Program

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential benefit that offers professional counseling and referral services that can help employees and their families successfully deal with life's challenges. The program offers assessments, short-term counseling, referral and follow-up for employees confronted with family and marital problems, financial challenges, legal obstacles, or symptoms of stress and other emotional conditions.

01

What is the highest level of education obtained?

High School/GED
Some College (at least 1 year completed)
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctorate or Juris Doctorate

02

How many years of work experience do you have with the working knowledge of principles and techniques of computer hardware and software, office automation, database design and data communications with the ability to troubleshoot and problem solve technical issues?

No Experience
Less than 2 Years
2 Years to Less than 3 Years
3 Years to Less than 5 Years
5 or More Years

03

Please select which of the following professional IT certifications you have obtained. If you do not possess any of these certifications, please select Not Applicable.

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Cisco (CCNA)
VMWare
CompTIA A+
Network+
Other Certification Not Listed
Not Applicable

04

If you answered 'Other' to the question above, list the other certification(s) you currently hold.

05

Do you have experience working with Microsoft 365?

06

Do you have experience managing Active Directory?

07

Do you have experience troubleshooting audio/video systems?

08

Do you have experience troubleshooting teleconference applications (Zoom, MS Teams, Cisco WebEx, Google Meet, etc.)?

09

Do you have customer service experience (IT or otherwise)?

10

Please indicate your salary expectations.

Required Question